Summer’s drawing to a close, and in the vineyard, it’s time to wait. Work in the rows has slowed down – just small, finishing touches: pulling a few leaves to help with airflow, trimming any clusters that are too developed. But the real focus now is elsewhere. It’s about watching. Tasting. Trying to understand when the time will be right.
Every day I walk the vineyards, rotating through each single plot. I pick a few berries, chew, spit… and repeat. It's starting to feel more like a ritual than a routine.
Of course, we’ve got data to support these checks – ripeness analyses, vigor maps from drone monitoring – tools that help us track how each soil unit is doing. But thankfully, the final call still comes down to a feeling. And sometimes, that feeling is almost like… a sentiment.
The rain in recent weeks slowed down the early sprint, bringing the vintage back to a more classic timeline after a spring that seemed to be pushing everything ahead. Our team focused on targeted, late-season leaf thinning to reduce the risk of too much moisture in the clusters.
Not a problem – just an adaptation. By now, it’s clear that this kind of flexibility has become a built-in part of how we work. Every season tells a different story. We just have to be ready to read it in real time.
So far, the outlook is good: no heat spikes on the horizon, cooler temperatures, and great day–night swings. Ripening is moving along steadily. Harvest is getting closer… but it’s not time yet. So we wait.
In the Cellar
After the last rackings and final bottling runs, the cellar feels like a pit lane waiting for the green light.
The grape reception line is ready, all the equipment has been tested, tanks cleaned and sanitized – everything’s in place for the new vintage. But until that first load comes in, it’s all about preparation.
Our First-Ever Chardonnay
In the meantime, something has already begun.
On September 4, we harvested Chardonnay for the very first white wine in Poggio Antico’s history.
It comes from a small plot planted in 2022, right at the highest point of the estate, 612 meters above sea level. The harvest took just one morning, and was carried out with the same care and attention we give to every important first step.
The wine is still taking shape, but it will reflect our vision: essential, elegant, respectful of altitude and of the character of the land. A small production, but one that means a great deal to us.
5 Grappoli for Vigna I Poggi
Among this month’s good news: our Brunello di Montalcino Vigna I Poggi 2020 was awarded 5 Grappoli in Bibenda 2026 – a result that makes us proud and encourages us to keep walking the path we’ve chosen.
A September on the Move
September means travel again. We’re all on the move – across the US, Canada, Italy – to keep telling the story of Poggio Antico, training professionals, and strengthening ties in our key markets.
It’s work that happens far from the vines, but with the same care and attention. It helps build the kind of lasting, direct relationships that have always been part of our approach.
Anda e Bola Visits Poggio Antico
This summer brought us another “first”: on August 16, the Palio di Siena was won by the horse Anda e Bola, owned by Marcel van Poecke and Harry Westerman.
A few days ago, we had the honor of welcoming him to Poggio Antico.
Celebrating this achievement is part of our owner’s philosophy – a belief that investing in a place means taking part in its life and traditions. It’s a concrete way to show that Poggio Antico is not only about wine – it’s also a commitment to the land, its history, and the culture of those who live it.
This special victory gave us a new and equally special “mantra” for the 2025 season: Anda e Bola, which in Sardinian – the horse’s homeland – means “go and fly”. A beautiful wish for the vintage ahead. May 2025 be a year that truly takes off.
Taking care of a place also means sharing in its spirit. And in the end, that’s what guides us: protecting our land in all its shades and stories.
See you soon,
Pippo